Ten years ago when I wrote my first book, I didn't have very much guidance or people who I could approach who could help me with the many questions I had. Now that I'm on the other side and have the job to help people get technical books published, I'm hoping that new authors have a radically different experience than I did. Last year I was involved in having 14 new books published, so in terms of credentials and experience, I continue to build on both each day. In terms of online information to help interested authors get started, I'd... [More]

Pre-order the latest book by Phil Gunning and receive a 40% discount! Book to ship in February. DB2 for Developers by Phil Gunning Written by an "in-the-trenches" consultant, this guide hails the newest version of DB2 as a major release, highlighting the large number of totally new features, most notably the addition of XML capabilities. Packed with the information DB2 developers and administrators need to know when implementing version 9, the discussion covers upgrading from prior releases of DB2, converting relational data to XML data, and... [More]

Today I'm thinking about IDS... I just had a phone meeting with Ron Flannery and Paul Watson about a possible book. I'm also working with Carlton Doe on two new projects I'm pursuing a study guide for the new Test 918 - System Administration for IBM Informix Dynamic Server V11 . Oh yea, I also had another proposal for an IDS book... So the questions is.... is there really a market for all these books? I hope so. All of the published books that you can currently find on amazon.com are nearly 10 years old. I'm sure many of you saw the IDS 11... [More]

Now there is no better time to build your technical reference library of IBM Press books. Until December 31, 2007 you can save 35% off your order when you make a purchase at the IBM Press Bookstore . PLUS you can receive FREE ground shipping in the U.S. To take advantage of this special offer, simply visit the IBM Press Bookstore, select your books and enter case-sensitive coupon code SAVEDB2 at Step 3 during checkout. Here are some titles that published this year that you may want to consider: Understanding DB2 9 Security by Rebecca Bond,... [More]

Have you been checking out this latest gadget: Amazon Kindle ? I must admit... I do love gadgets, but rarely buy them until the kinks are worked out and the price comes down. While the kinks are being worked out, I read whatever feedback is available from all the early adopters. I usually have 3-5 books on the go at any one time... and it isn't very practical to carry a stack of books with me....so the Kindle appeals to me so that I can keep track of all the books I'm currently reading and perhaps I'll have a better chance of actually... [More]

Here are some of the IBM classes that were recently updated for the DB2 9 for z/OS platform: DB2 9 for z/OS Programming Using Java CG140 or CG14GAcquire the skills you need to produce application programs in Java that manipulate DB2 for z/OS databases. Also, learn how to take advantage of advanced programming techniques to access DB2 for z/OS database servers in the workstation environment. Emphasize using the Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) to connect DB2 from a Java program and embedding static SQL statements using SQL for Java (SQLJ).... [More]

Are you aware of the IDUG Online Learning Center? IDUG Learning Center offerings are download-on-demand streaming media files featuring original presenter audio synchronized with presentation slides, along with some audio only offerings. Using standard desktop controls within an Internet browser, users can pause, rewind, fast-forward, stop and resume sessions from the Learning Center at their convenience. Offerings from the IDUG Online Learning Center session can be viewed an unlimited number of times for three months from the date of... [More]

There are a couple more coming, but here is a list of the IBM Redbooks that you can read and benefit from right now. High Availability and Scalability Guide for DB2 on Linux, UNIX, and Windows Informix Dynamic Server 11 Extending Availability and Replication DB2 9 for z/OS Performance Topics Dynamic Warehousing: Data Mining Made Easy Index Compression with DB2 9 for z/OS Informix Dynamic Server 11: Advanced Functionality for Modern Business Database Partitioning, Table Partitioning, and MDC for DB2 9 Oracle to DB2 Conversion Guide for Linux,... [More]

The DB2 Chat with the Lab series continues. Listen to the DB2 experts, including Sal Vella , Drew Bradstock , Chris Eaton , Pat Bates , Paul Bird , Bill Minor , John Hornibrook , and Les King who develop breakthrough technology and get your questions answered. Here are some of the topics that you can find: * DB2 Warehouse 9.5 - What's New in the Platform for High Performance DB2 Analytics* Workload Management in Viper 2* Deep Dive into Deep Compression - a look into Compression in Viper and Viper 2* DB2 for LUW Security Enhancements: Making... [More]